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Coronavirus Updates

From the Executive Director, Jason Lea

Sonoma County Office of Education has been working very closely with Sonoma County Public Health to keep all departments, programs, and school districts up to date on current conditions and protocols. NCSOE will keep its program participants in the loop as we receive the updated information. We are actively working to get plans in place to continue courses virtually. Please check the NCSOE website for updated information on classes and on conditions and protocols, we receive from SCOE. Please feel free to email us with your questions or concerns.

The health and safety of our participants is of utmost importance to us. North Coast School of Education will continue to monitor, prepare, and accommodate for the COVID-19 (coronavirus) in each of our participating counties. If you feel that you need to make alternate arrangements then please feel free to reach out to your county’s Program Coordinator. We understand the many concerns surrounding COVID-19 and will promptly notify participants should the situation change in any of our participating counties.

UPDATE FOR MAY 13, 2020

Teaching and learning in this time of COVID-19 has been turned upside down. You are working tirelessly to figure out how best to support your students and families as you face many obstacles, both professional and personal. NCSOE is here to support you. Please read this letter from your NCSOE team. Stay safe and be healthy!

Update for March 30, 2020

Following the order to shelter in-place, NCSOE's staff are working remotely and are available via email during business hours. Visit NCSOE's Faculty and Staff webpage for email addresses.

Update for March 16, 2020

Following the precautionary directive from the Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) and Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE), effective immediately, all NCSOE in-person classes will be held online/virtual until further notice. Please check your inbox for an email from your program lead with details.

NCSOE Covid Care & Resources

Your NCSOE Team invites you to "lean in and learn in" to these challenging times with some resources and tips for self-care. Check back each week to watch the latest video.

Program Completion Q&As

Student Confidentiality Guidelines: Prior to submitting photos or videos of students as ILP evidence, please be sure that you have consent from adults (students 18 or over) and/or from the parents (students under 18). Many schools and districts already have such permissions on file (you will need to ensure this is the case); if not, you must obtain consent before submitting photos or videos. Download a sample consent form here: SCOE Media Release.

What is the Coronavirus?

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus is from a family of coronaviruses that typically cause respiratory infection, such as the common cold, but they also can result in more severe disease, as seen in past years with SARS and MERS. This new strain, COVID-19, has previously not been found in humans, and its health impact is currently being closely monitored.

What are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?

Typically, human coronaviruses cause symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath which are very similar to the flu. In some cases, COVID-19 can cause more severe respiratory illness.

How will we be notified if there is an issue that impacts classes or workshops?

North Coast will send a notice through our email system. Communications will be posted on the NCSOE website.

What is NCSOE doing to mitigate exposure and accommodate participants?

We are adding more virtual options for workshops and Sharecases which will be updated on our Program Calendar here.

What if I work somewhere that has closed due to concern about exposure to COVID-19?

We recognize that some local districts have closed or may close due to concerns about COVID-19. If a person has concerns about exposure to COVID-19, we recommend contacting your primary care provider to discuss a recommended course of action.

What should I do to protect myself?

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.

Recommend that participants minimize close contact (e.g. no hand shaking or hugging)

You may also want to check and see what information your local school district or county health department are distributing.

NCSOE is committed to ensuring that its website is accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you experience difficulty accessing any content on NCSOE's website, please contact Bob Herbstman at helpdesk@scoe.org to request the information in an alternative format, or to provide feedback on how SCOE can improve its website accessibility.